BOCA RATON, Fla. - Florida Atlantic University women's soccer Head Coach Patrick Baker has named Jennifer Montgomery as the program's new assistant coach.

"We are very excited to have Jennifer Montgomery join our FAU Women's Soccer staff," Baker said. "She is a wonderful young lady that fits into our leadership very well. Having a positive female role model is crucial for our players and Jenn will do a great job mentoring our young ladies.

"She was a very accomplished youth/college player and is very quickly becoming one of the best young coaches in the women's game. Jenn will help this program get to the next level and compete for Conference USA Championships."

Montgomery comes to FAU following a four-year stint at Youngstown State (YSU), where she rose through the ranks to become the associate head coach. During her time at YSU, the Penguins set the school record for most victories in a season in 2012.

A former forward and midfielder at UCF, Montgomery earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in business commerce and a minor in sports coaching in 2007. She then spent time coaching at her alma mater and at the Florida Institute of Technology. Before becoming the head coach at St. Andrew's Presbyterian College, Montgomery spent a year as associate head coach and player for the Brevard County Cocoa Expos of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). She also spent time as the head coach and trainer for multiple youth teams in the Space Coast United Soccer Club in 2007-08.

At UCF, she ended her career ranked seventh all-time in shots (189), fourth in goals (38), sixth in assists (27), fourth in total points (103) and fifth in game-winning goals (8) under head coach Amanda Cromwell. She was also ranked in seasonal categories such as second in goals (17 in 2002), fourth in assists (12 in 2002), first in total points (46 in 2002) and eighth in game-winning goals (4 in 2004).

"Jennifer Montgomery is a fantastic hire for FAU," Cromwell said. "She is very familiar with the Florida soccer scene since she played in Orlando and has returned to the state many times to work camps and recruit. Jennifer was one of the best players to ever play at UCF, and she has turned into one of best young coaches in the country. I'm excited to see her career blossom under Coach Baker's guidance. FAU is in great hands with those two working together."

Montgomery also spent four years playing in the United States Adult Soccer Association and three summers in the United Soccer League W-League.

A native of Colton, Calif., Montgomery was named one of the Top 100 players in the nation in high school and was invited to attend the Adidas Elite Soccer program.